We welcomeD Sue Karzis, CEO of Port Phillip Community Group, and Susanne Wells, Board Chair. We have been associated with PPCG most notably through the Five Minutes of Fame event.
Port Phillip Community Group provides services to individuals and families from a wide range of backgrounds and with a diverse set of needs. People using our services may be managing multiple and complex issues such as mental and physical health needs, housing insecurity, family violence, chronically low income, drug and alcohol dependency, and unemployment.
Their service model incorporates a client centred, open door policy combined with collaboration and partnerships that build on feedback from key stakeholders and community. Their work includes:
- Information, referral and support including emergency relief and material aid
- Financial counselling, tax help, and no interest loans
- Community engagement and inclusion through social, recreational and well-being groups
- Education and skills development along with pathways to employment
- Advocacy to reduce inequity, social exclusion and poverty.
INFORMATION, REFERRAL AND SUPPORT
Support workers are available Monday to Friday to assist with information, referrals, advocacy and other supports. Support is free, confidential and non-judgemental and they will work with you based on your unique needs.
EMERGENCY RELIEF
For those experiencing unexpected financial hardship, please get in touch to speak with a support worker. It can feel overwhelming, but there are lots of services and supports to help get you back on track, and we can talk to you about what type of emergency relief you might be eligible for.
Emergency relief available at PPCG includes:
- Food vouchers (when available).
- Food pantry items.
- Myki day passes.
- Back to School assistance.
- Nappies and sanitary items.
- Pharmacy vouchers.
Emergency relief is available to residents and people experiencing homelessness within the City of Port Phillip
THE STREET PANTRY
The Street Pantry is a community managed project developed in conjunction with Mazon Australia and built by our friends at the Men’s Shed. It’s built on the philosophy, ‘give what you can, take what you need’.
If you are low on food, feel free to walk by and take what you need. Everyone is welcome. Likewise, if you would like to donate some non-perishable food, please do! The pantry is always in need of some love.
Alma Road Community House
200 Alma Road,
St Kilda East
NO INTEREST LOANS SCHEME
The No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS) provides individuals and families on low incomes with access to safe, fair and affordable credit. Loans are free from fees, charges, and interest. Pay back only what you borrow.
TAX HELP
Tax Help is a free, confidential service to assist low income earners with simple tax returns. It is provided by experienced and ATO accredited volunteers. The service is available from August to October each year to City of Port Phillip residents. We will begin registering people for appointments from July 2026.
BACK TO SCHOOL
The new school year can be a stressful time for families, especially those who are on a low income. PPCG can assist local families to ease the pressure by:
- providing information about ways to manage education costs;
- talking to your child’s school about supports available (with your consent);
- helping with the costs of books, stationary or other learning essentials that cannot be accessed through the school or other means;
- providing information and support relating to financial hardship.
SHARE FOOD
Share the Food is a food relief initiative launched during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide food relief across the City of Port Phillip and has since transformed into a hub for providing food donations including fresh produce, pantry staples, frozen goods and other essential items to various local charities. Share The Food leverages storage space and resources including volunteers to coordinate and sort food donations in order to support other charities in the Port Phillip area.
We receive donations from South Melbourne Market, Oz Harvest, Second Bite, Alex Makes Meals, Food Filled, and Kiwanis.
We provide donations to multiple individual agencies in the Port Phillip area on a weekly basis.